Editor’s note: After this story published Friday, Focus Reentry’s event sold out of tickets.

Those who thought Chuck Norris was the only one who could slam a revolving door — haven’t yet met members of Boulder County’s Focus Reentry.

The nonprofit works with those recently released from Boulder County Jail, helping them to connect with job, housing and food resources, and mentors, in an effort to keep them from returning to life behind bars — and putting a halt to the revolving door of incarceration.

Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said Colorado ranks among the worst in the country when it comes to rehabilitating people coming out of state prison. Roughly 50% of those released from state prison return within three years, he said. In contrast, the nationwide average for recidivism is 32%.

“If we were just at the nationwide average, we would have far fewer victims, far fewer arrests and we would be doing better by the taxpayers,” Dougherty said.

Since last year, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office has showed its support for Focus Reentry. In a continuation of this effort, Dougherty will speak during Focus Reentry’s Second Chance Dance, which be at 6 p.m. Saturday at eTown Hall in Boulder.

When it comes to helping a former inmate adjust to community life once more, Joanne Belknap, vice president of Focus Reentry, said the first 24 to 72 hours can be critical. Focus Reentry works with the Boulder County Jail to identify people eligible for the program before their release.

“There are so many things that make it so hard for people not to reoffend if they don’t have a safety net when they are coming out,” Belknap said. “It’s so important to find the right housing, food and clothing and ideally work. If the only place you can go is a place where people are using drugs and alcohol, that can make it hard not to reoffend.”

Housing and job requirements may make it difficult for someone with a criminal background to find a place to live or employment. Some former inmates also may face substance abuse issues and lack the safety and support of family, Belknap said.

While Dougherty said Boulder County recidivism numbers were not immediately available, he did say those who complete the DA’s Center for Prevention and Restorative Justice program have a recidivism rate of 8.9%.

Belknap commended the DA’s Office for its involvement in Focus Reentry. In addition to speaking at the event, the office also serves on a reentry council. She encouraged those interested to learn more about Focus Reentry and what it does to help the Boulder County community.

“We just like to be this place that’s there for people who do want some help, and do want to make a change,” Belknap said. “This is what community is … to me it’s great to say ‘let’s as a community take this on.’”